EL SEGUNDO — The Chargers ruled out rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks because of an injured quadricep muscle, the second consecutive game he’s been sidelined. They also listed wide receiver Ladd McConkey as questionable to play because of a foot ailment.
McConkey also dealt with a rib injury earlier this season.
Tight end Charlie Kolar was ruled out after undergoing surgery last week on his forearm. The Chargers didn’t place him on injured reserve after he was hurt in their loss in Week 2 to the Las Vegas Raiders, believing he could be sound enough to avoid having to sit out the mandatory four-week window while on IR.
Thompson did not participate in practice Friday. He hasn’t played since Week 2 against the Raiders when he recorded his first NFL reception. McConkey and Kolar were said to be limited in their participation Friday, which was an improvement from Thursday, when neither joined teammates for practice.
So, going into Sunday’s game against the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, the Chargers’ are hurting at two key positions. Facing the Seahawks and their standout defense at anything but full strength likely leaves the Chargers’ sputtering offense in a vulnerable position Sunday.
Coach Jim Harbaugh couldn’t or wouldn’t say Friday whether McConkey was injured during practice this week or during the Chargers’ 24-16 loss this past Sunday to the Buffalo Bills. McConkey is the Chargers’ leading receiver with 12 catches for 183 yards, an average gain of 15.3 yards, and one touchdown.
If the Chargers are forced to play without McConkey on Sunday, wide receiver Tre’ Harris could become the top target for quarterback Justin Herbert. Harris caught a team-leading six passes for 76 yards against the Bills. McConkey caught four passes for 66 yards.
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston hasn’t emerged as a key threat in Mike McDaniel’s offense this season. He has six receptions for 64 yards, and he had one dropped pass on a key third-down play Sunday against Buffalo. Herbert targeted him six times against the Bills.
Asked if still had confidence in Johnston, Herbert said, “Absolutely. He’ll make the next play. He’s done such a good job of bouncing back and it’s unfortunate the way it went. I could have given him a better ball. We’d love to have those plays back, and it’s something I can get next time.”
INJURIES (PART 2)
In addition to Kolar and Thompson, left guard Kayode Awosika (fibula) and defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring) will not play Sunday. They were injured in the Chargers’ 26-14 loss to the Raiders on Sept. 27 at SoFi Stadium, and there isn’t a timetable for their return.
Safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) is questionable to play as are cornerback Donte Jackson (concussion), backup quarterback Trey Lance (groin) and safety Elijah Molden (hamstring). Jackson could exit the NFL’s concussion protocol and play Sunday only if he clears specific benchmarks. Molden was a full participant in practice this week.
SMITH IMPRESSES
James, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has been impressed by rookie safety Genesis Smith since the spring practices. James’ praise for Smith’s play grew exponentially after Smith intercepted Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the NFL’s MVP in 2024, not once but twice Sunday.
“Oh, I told him, ‘You can go make a pick on Josh Allen, for them to be your first two picks, bro, you should have all the confidence in the world,’” James said. “He doesn’t lack confidence, man. He’s humble, but he’s a guy who works hard. I love having him as a brother, as a teammate. I’m happy he’s having the success he’s having.”
A fourth-round draft pick out of Arizona in April, Smith has played an enhanced role while Molden has been sidelined for the past two games.